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Rain falls steadily over Inazuma.
Dark clouds blanket the sky while distant thunder rolls across the islands, its deep rumble echoing through the mountains before fading into silence once more. Raindrops patter softly against the wooden windows of Tenshukaku, filling the room with a quiet, melancholic rhythm that has become all too familiar.
Within the confines of her chamber, Ei sits upon the edge of her bed.
A wooden hairbrush glides slowly through the length of her violet hair, each careful stroke smooth and unhurried. It is a routine she has followed for centuries, one of the few rituals that has remained unchanged despite how much the world around her continues to evolve.
Today, however, her movements are slower than usual.
Her gaze remains lowered as strands of silken hair slip between her fingers.
Today is her birthday.
It is also Makoto's.
Once, this day was filled with laughter.
She remembers gathering beneath blooming sakura trees with Makoto, Saiguu, Sasayuri, and Chiyo. Together they share food and sweets prepared for the occasion, exchange small gifts, and remain beneath the blossoms until night falls. As darkness settles over Inazuma, brilliant fireworks illuminate the heavens while their laughter echoes across the mountains.
Those days now feel impossibly distant.
One by one, the people who once stood beside her disappeared. Some fall upon the battlefield. Others are claimed by tragedy.
Only memories remain.
Ei once learns that birthdays are meant to celebrate the day a person enters the world; a day of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, spent cherishing the people one holds dear.
Yet for the longest time, this date brings her little besides sorrow.
Every birthday reminds her of Makoto. No matter how many centuries pass, the memories surface unbidden, carrying equal measures of warmth and pain. They remind her of everything she once had, and everything she ultimately failed to protect.
With such a heavy heart, celebrating never feels appropriate.
After retreating into the Plane of Euthymia and isolating herself from the world for centuries, even the passage of time gradually loses its meaning. Birthdays become no different from any other day. They arrive, they pass, and she allows them to do so in silence.
Everything begins to change only after her encounter with the Traveller.
Slowly, Ei reconnects with the nation she has long distanced herself from. She walks amongst its people once more, witnesses the passage of time with her own eyes, and gradually rediscovers the value of the fleeting moments she had once tried so desperately to preserve.
Miko, naturally, refuses to let something as trivial as Ei's reluctance stop her.
Every year, despite Ei's insistence that such things are unnecessary, Miko arrives without fail. Sometimes she brings elegant sweets from the city. Sometimes she presents small gifts she claims she "just happened to come across", despite their suspiciously perfect timing. Other years, she simply brews tea, sits beside Ei, and chats about whatever crosses her mind until the day quietly slips into evening.
Their birthdays are separated by only a single day, making it almost impossible for Miko to forget, even if Ei secretly wishes she would.
Little by little, year after year, Ei grows accustomed to celebrating her birthday once more.
She even finds herself quietly looking forward to Miko's inevitable visit, though she would never admit it aloud.
Yet the grief never truly disappears.
No amount of time, nor even Miko's unwavering companionship, can erase the ache left behind by those she has loved and lost.
Birthdays become easier to bear.
But every year, when rain falls over Inazuma and thunder rolls across the islands...
Makoto is still the first person Ei thinks of.
Despite being twins, Makoto and Ei have always possessed remarkably different tastes in clothing.
Makoto favours graceful kimonos adorned with intricate embroidery, their elegant sleeves flowing gently with every movement. She has an eye for beauty and refinement, always eager to try the latest fashions or experiment with whatever new accessories happen to catch her attention.
Ei, by contrast, prefers attire suited for battle. Simpler garments. Practical armour. Clothing that allows her to draw her blade without restriction and move freely across the battlefield. As the warrior between the two of them, appearances have never occupied much of her mind.
There is, however, one exception.
Their birthday.
Every year without fail, Makoto insists they wear matching outfits.
No matter how much Ei protests that such things are unnecessary, Makoto simply smiles, dismissing every complaint with gentle insistence. Before Ei realises it, she finds herself standing patiently while her sister excitedly adjusts her robes, smooths away the slightest wrinkle, and fusses over every tiny detail until she is satisfied.
After helping Ei change, Makoto always sits her down before a mirror with a brush in hand.
With slow, practised movements, she combs through Ei's long violet hair, carefully working free every tangle before weaving it into whichever hairstyle has recently captured her interest. Sometimes it is an elegant braid adorned with fresh sakura blossoms. Other times it is an elaborate arrangement inspired by the latest fashion circulating amongst Inazuma's noblewomen.
Ei rarely understands the appeal.
She just sits in silence, allowing Makoto to work.
Occasionally, she catches their reflections in the mirror. Makoto's expression is always gentle, her smile soft with quiet contentment as she hums to herself while tending to her sister's hair.
Makoto always takes such good care of her, and even now, centuries later, Ei still finds herself missing that simple routine more than she expects.
The gentle pull of the brush through her hair.
Makoto's warm hands deftly gathering each strand.
The quiet conversations that drift effortlessly between them as they prepare for the day.
It is a feeling no one else can ever truly replace.
Perhaps that is why Ei never rushes this morning ritual.
It is the closest she can come to reliving those moments again.
For a few moments, she can almost pretend Makoto is still standing behind her.
The illusion lasts only an instant.
The gentle weight of familiar hands never comes. The soft humming she remembers so clearly is replaced by the quiet patter of rain beyond the windows, while the empty space behind her serves as a painful reminder that those days are long gone.
The brush gradually slows before coming to a stop.
Ei lowers her gaze, her fingers tightening ever so slightly around the wooden handle.
"...Makoto..."
The name leaves her lips as little more than a whisper.
A familiar ache settles quietly within her chest.
She tells herself she has accepted it.
Centuries have passed since that day. She has learnt to smile again, to walk amongst her people once more, and to treasure the present instead of clinging solely to the past.
Yet acceptance does not erase grief.
Some wounds never truly heal.
Some losses never grow lighter.
Before she realises it, her vision begins to blur.
A single tear slips silently down her cheek, falling onto the back of her hand. Another follows, then another, each arriving without so much as a sob.
She makes no attempt to wipe them away. Instead, she remains where she is, allowing the tears to fall silently onto the folds of her kimono.
Outside, the rain continues to fall over Inazuma.
For a fleeting moment, it almost feels as though the heavens are mourning alongside her.
Just then, a gentle knock echoes through the chamber door.
"Almighty Raiden Shogun, Lady Yae is here to see you."
The voice of one of the attendants carries politely through the silence.
Ei blinks. As though roused from a distant dream, she slowly lifts her head. A cool tear trails down her cheek before she brushes it away with the back of her sleeve.
Setting the hairbrush aside, she takes a slow, measured breath and closes her eyes for a brief moment, allowing the composure she has cultivated over centuries to settle over her once more.
When she finally opens them again, only the faint redness lingering around her eyes betrays what has transpired.
"...Please let her in."
Her voice is calm and unwavering, betraying none of the emotions that had filled the room only moments before.
"At once, Your Excellency."
The attendant bows from the other side of the door before their footsteps gradually fade down the corridor.
Left alone once more, Ei lowers her gaze to the wooden hairbrush resting beside her. Her thumb absently traces its polished surface.
"...She always has impeccable timing."
Whether it is coincidence or instinct, she has never quite been able to tell.
A small, almost imperceptible smile tugs at the corners of her lips.
With one final steadying breath, she rises to her feet to greet the one person who has never given up on her.
The chamber doors slide open and standing beyond them is Yae Miko.
As always, the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine is impeccably dressed, her elegant shrine maiden robes pristine despite the rain outside. A violet umbrella rests lightly against one shoulder, tiny droplets glistening upon its surface. Tucked beneath one arm is a neatly wrapped parcel tied with a crimson ribbon, while a familiar look of amusement plays across her features.
The moment their eyes meet, her expression brightens. "Oh my."
She leisurely looks Ei up and down before resting a finger thoughtfully against her cheek.
"You're not even ready yet." A playful sigh escapes her lips. "And here I thought you'd already be dressed. I even cleared my schedule so I could whisk you away before anyone else had the chance to steal the birthday girl."
Ei meets her teasing with quiet resignation.
"I was getting ready," she replies evenly, "until someone decided to arrive rather ahead of schedule."
"Ahead of schedule?" Miko echoes, placing a hand over her heart in exaggerated offence. "Ei, it's your birthday. Of course I'd arrive early. I have an entire day planned for us, after all."
She tilts her head, a knowing glint appearing in her eyes. "...Don't tell me you've already forgotten what today is?"
Ei averts her gaze. "...No."
Before Ei can say anything more, Miko takes a step forward.
She raises a hand, her thumb brushing lightly beneath Ei's eye to wipe away the faint tear she has failed to notice.
Ei stills at the unexpected touch. "...Miko."
Leaning in just enough for only Ei to hear, Miko lowers her voice to a playful whisper.
"Did you truly think you could hide that from me?" A soft laugh escapes her. "Ei... we've known each other far too long for that."
Ei meets her gaze before letting out the faintest sigh, a hint of resignation settling over her features. "...I suppose I've never been particularly good at hiding anything from you."
"No." Miko replies, a knowing smile touching her lips. "You never have."
Her eyes drift to Ei's slightly dishevelled hair, prompting an amused hum.
"Now then..." She smooths a loose strand of violet hair back into place. "The birthday girl can't possibly greet the day looking like this."
Taking Ei's hand with effortless familiarity, she gives it a gentle tug. "Come along. I'll help you get ready."
Without waiting for permission, Miko slips past Ei and makes herself entirely at home, just as she has done countless times before.
Miko guides Ei towards the vanity and gently settles her into the chair before placing the neatly wrapped parcel upon the tabletop.
"I'm willing to wager you haven't eaten breakfast yet."
Ei offers no argument.
"I thought as much."
Undoing the crimson ribbon, Miko unwraps the parcel to reveal an assortment of neatly arranged treats: fresh dango glazed with sweet soy sauce, delicate sakura mochi wrapped in pickled cherry leaves, and wagashi crafted into the shapes of blooming flowers.
"I picked these up on the way here."
She slides the box towards Ei before reaching for the wooden hairbrush resting upon the vanity. "Go on. Eat while I finish your hair."
Ei glances between the sweets and Miko before quietly reaching for a skewer of dango. "...Thank you."
"Mhm."
The response comes as little more than a contented hum as Miko begins combing through Ei's long violet hair with slow, practised strokes.
The gentle pull of the brush feels familiar.
Not the same, but comforting all the same.
As Miko deftly weaves her hair into an elegant braid, Ei gradually finds herself relaxing. The tension lingering in her shoulders eases away, and for just a moment, the loneliness weighing upon her heart feels a little less heavy.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Ei finally speaks. "Where exactly are you planning to take me in weather like this?"
"Now, now." A knowing smile plays across Miko's lips. "If I told you, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, would it?"
Ei lets out the faintest sigh. "You and your surprises."
"They're part of my charm."
Ei offers no reply, returning her attention to the dango in her hand.
With deft fingers, Miko secures the finished braid before reaching for a purple ribbon resting upon the vanity.
"But before any of that..." She smiles at Ei's reflection in the mirror. "We're making a stop at the Grand Narukami Shrine."
Ei raises a questioning eyebrow. "...Whatever for?"
"To draw a fortune slip, of course."
Ei turns her head just enough to glance back at her. "Why?"
"Because it's become quite a popular birthday tradition in Inazuma." Miko replies matter-of-factly. "Many people visit the shrine on their birthday to draw a fortune slip, hoping to catch a glimpse of what the coming year has in store." She gives a light shrug. "It's rather charming, don't you think?"
Ei studies her reflection in the mirror for a moment before meeting Miko's eyes. "I don't recall such a custom existing."
"That's because it's a relatively recent one." Miko says as she ties the ribbon neatly at the end of Ei's braid.
Ei's eyes narrow ever so slightly.
"...Is that truly the reason?" A hint of amusement creeps into her voice. "You're not inventing new traditions to attract more visitors to the shrine, are you?"
Miko gasps in exaggerated disbelief, placing a hand dramatically over her heart.
"Ei!" She exclaims. "To think you believe I would resort to such underhanded tactics merely to increase the shrine's popularity."
Ei regards her for a long moment. "...You didn't actually deny it."
A sly smile spreads across Miko's face.
"My, whatever gave you that impression?" She replies sweetly. "Some mysteries are far more enjoyable when they're left unsolved."
Ei closes her eyes with the faintest sigh, already knowing she is unlikely to receive a more straightforward response. "...Very well. If you're this insistent, I suppose drawing a fortune slip wouldn't hurt."
"There we are." Miko's smile brightens with unmistakable satisfaction. "I knew you'd come around eventually."
With one final adjustment, Miko smooths the last stray strand of hair into place before stepping back to admire her handiwork.
"Perfect."
Ei reaches up, her fingertips lightly brushing the neatly woven braid before lowering her hand once more. "Thank you."
"For the braid?" Miko asks with a teasing smile.
Ei falls silent for a moment. "...For everything."
For the briefest instant, Miko's playful expression softens. "You're welcome."
Retrieving her violet paper umbrella from beside the door, Miko turns back towards Ei and offers her an arm with effortless familiarity.
"Now then... shall we?"
Ei rises from the vanity and slips her arm through Miko's without hesitation.
Together, they leave the warmth of the chamber behind.
The attendants waiting outside bow respectfully as the great doors of Tenshukaku are drawn open. A cool breeze greets them, carrying the fresh scent of rain through the entrance.
With a practised flick of her wrist, Miko opens the umbrella above them both.
Sheltered beneath its violet canopy, they descend the stone steps of Tenshukaku side by side. Rain falls softly around them, pattering against the paper overhead as they make their way through the rain-soaked streets of Inazuma City towards the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Upon arriving at the Grand Narukami Shrine, Miko leads Ei towards a small wooden table tucked beneath the shelter of the shrine.
Resting upon it is a cylindrical fortune box filled with slender bamboo sticks.
Miko lifts it with both hands before offering it to Ei.
"Go on." A playful smile dances across her lips. "Let's see what fortune awaits the birthday girl."
Ei accepts the box, giving it a mildly sceptical look.
"It's merely a few words written on a piece of paper." She remarks. "I find it difficult to believe it can reveal anything about the future."
"Oh, don't be such a spoilsport." Miko laughs softly. "Humour me."
With a quiet sigh, Ei gives the box a gentle shake before tipping it slightly.
A single bamboo stick slips free and lands neatly in her hand.
Miko leans over to glance at the number engraved upon it. "Ah."
Without another word, she walks over to the nearby drawer, retrieves the corresponding fortune slip, and returns looking distinctly pleased with herself.
With theatrical flourish, she unfolds the paper. “'Great Fortune.' A remarkably auspicious beginning to the year, it seems."
Ei accepts the slip and quietly reads its contents.
The clouds disperse, revealing the moon in the sky. Whoever draws this slip will receive great fortune.
With clarity in your heart, what you wish for will come true.
Things will go your way today, whether there is something you wish to accomplish...
...or someone you wish to meet. Now is the time to act.
The words linger in her mind as she lowers the slip and looks towards Miko.
She returns her gaze, an all-too-knowing smile playing upon her lips.
Ei studies her for a long moment. A look of suspicion slowly settles across her face. "...You tampered with the box, didn't you?"
Miko blinks in innocent surprise before placing a hand lightly against her chest. "Whatever makes you think I'd do such a thing?"
Ei folds her arms, fixing Miko with an unconvinced stare.
"Because you wanted to ensure I drew 'Great Fortune'." She gestures lightly with the slip still in her hand. "It seems exactly like something you would do."
A mischievous smile spreads across Miko's face. "I would never~"
The singsong reply does little to inspire confidence.
Ei narrows her eyes. "...I want a redraw."
"So suspicious." Miko chuckles, unable to hide her amusement as she gestures gracefully towards the fortune box. "Very well. If it will put your mind at ease, be my guest."
Ei gives the box another firm shake before drawing a second bamboo stick.
Miko retrieves the matching fortune, unfolds it, and lets out a thoughtful hum.
"Oh?" The smile on her face widens. "'Great Fortune' once again."
Ei's brow furrows. "...Again?"
She quickly skims the slip before setting it aside and reaching straight for the box. "One more."
Miko raises an eyebrow but offers it without objection. "As many times as you like."
This time, Ei shakes it with considerably more determination before drawing a third bamboo stick.
Miko retrieves the final slip, barely suppressing a laugh as she opens it.
"My, how extraordinary." She holds it up with unmistakable satisfaction. "'Great Fortune.'"
Ei falls silent, staring at the slip for several long seconds before slowly lifting her gaze to Miko.
"...I don't understand." Her eyes drift from the paper to the bamboo box, then finally back to Miko. "...Did you rig the entire box?"
Rather than answering immediately, Miko folds her hands neatly within her sleeves and smiles with the calm confidence of a seasoned shrine maiden.
"My, what an extraordinary conclusion." She lets the words linger before continuing. "Have you considered another possibility? You are the deity who protects Inazuma." She gestures lightly towards the fortune slip in Ei's hand. "To draw 'Great Fortune' three times in succession is surely an omen that Inazuma, too, shall know peace and prosperity in the coming year."
Ei's expression gradually softens as her earlier suspicion gives way to quiet contemplation. "...Really?"
"Naturally." Miko's smile remains as serene as ever, making it impossible to tell whether she is speaking with complete sincerity or simply indulging herself. "And why would I ever deceive you?"
Ei lowers her gaze to the fortune slip once more.
If Miko's words are true... Then she could ask for no more auspicious a sign.
The thought of Inazuma continuing to flourish is enough to put her mind at ease.
After a moment of reflection, she gives a small nod. "Very well… I believe you."
A look of quiet satisfaction crosses Miko's face. "I thought you might."
Cradling the fortune slip carefully between her fingers, Ei walks towards the Sacred Sakura.
Standing beneath its vast canopy, she looks up at the ancient tree in quiet reverence.
Its countless branches stretch gracefully across the shrine grounds, laden with blossoms that bloom in breathtaking abundance despite the passing centuries. Soft pink petals drift upon the breeze, dancing through the air before settling gently across the stone pathways below.
The Sacred Sakura stands as stately as ever.
Steadfast. Unchanging.
A silent guardian that has watched over Inazuma for generations beyond counting.
Reaching one of the wooden racks beneath its branches, Ei carefully ties the fortune slip amongst the countless others swaying gently in the wind.
A silent prayer forms within her heart.
May Inazuma continue to know peace.
May its people live without fear.
May the nation Makoto entrusted to me remain forever beneath the Sacred Sakura's eternal protection.
The breeze stirs once more, rustling the ancient branches overhead as another flurry of blossoms drifts gracefully through the shrine.
Whether it is merely the wind...
Or the Sacred Sakura quietly answering her prayer...
Ei cannot say.
She simply smiles, watching the petals dance across the shrine grounds as the ancient tree continues its silent vigil over the nation it has protected for centuries.
The rest of the day passes far more pleasantly than Ei has expected.
Miko leads her through the bustling streets of Inazuma City, eagerly introducing her to all the little things that have appeared in recent years. They browse market stalls overflowing with seasonal sweets and handcrafted ornaments, sample newly opened food stalls, and pause whenever Miko spots something she simply must show her.
From time to time, she drags Ei into a boutique to admire the latest fashions, only to receive a thoroughly unimpressed look in return.
Naturally, the tour soon finds its way to the Yae Publishing House, where Miko enthusiastically recommends a selection of newly released light novels, each accompanied by an increasingly elaborate explanation of why Ei simply must read them. Though Ei remains more than a little sceptical of the increasingly peculiar titles, Miko somehow persuades her to take a few volumes home regardless.
Between leisurely walks through the city, warm cups of tea, and Miko's endless stories about the latest rumours circulating around Inazuma, the hours slip quietly by.
Ei finds herself simply enjoying the company of a dear friend.
There are no pressing duties to attend to.
No burdens weighing upon her shoulders.
Only quiet conversation, shared laughter, and the comforting presence of someone who has never given up on her.
Before either of them realises it, the afternoon gradually gives way to evening as the warm glow of lanterns begins to illuminate the streets of Inazuma.
By the time they return to the Grand Narukami Shrine, the rain has long since stopped.
The dark clouds that once blanketed the skies have drifted away, revealing a clear evening sky painted in soft shades of blue and violet. The stone pathways still glisten from the earlier downpour, reflecting the warm glow of lanterns that now illuminate the shrine grounds.
Somewhere along the journey, the responsibility of carrying the umbrella has quietly changed hands more than once. Now, Ei holds the violet paper umbrella above them while Miko walks beside her, her arms full of the day's purchases. Bags of sweets, a handful of light novels, and several small trinkets sway gently with each step.
As they stroll through the shrine grounds, Ei turns to Miko.
"...So," she begins, unable to conceal the faint curiosity in her voice, "where exactly is this surprise you've been speaking of?"
Her gaze drifts towards the collection of shopping bags hanging from Miko's arm. "Because unless I've somehow missed something, we've spent the entire day shopping, eating, and listening to your stories."
A soft laugh escapes Miko. "My, is someone growing impatient?"
"I am merely curious."
"Mhm." The knowing look Miko gives her suggests she believes otherwise.
"Patience, Ei." She briefly glances towards the darkening sky before looking back at her companion. "The show is about to begin."
Ei follows her gaze, a hint of confusion crossing her face. "...Show?"
Miko only smiles. Rather than answering, she gently takes Ei by the hand and leads her deeper into the shrine grounds until they reach a quiet clearing overlooking Inazuma City.
The evening is peaceful. A light breeze stirs the Sacred Sakura overhead, carrying delicate pink petals through the air as lanterns flicker warmly below. Beyond the mountain, the lights of the city shimmer beneath the clear sky.
Miko comes to a stop. "This is a good spot."
Ei glances around, finding nothing out of the ordinary. "...Miko?"
Before another question can leave her lips, a deafening crack splits the silence.
An instant later, the first firework blossoms high above the shrine.
A brilliant burst of violet scatters across the sky, followed by dazzling gold, crimson, sapphire, and emerald. One after another, fireworks soar overhead, illuminating the darkness in a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour. Their thunderous echoes roll across the mountains while countless sparks drift gently back towards the earth like falling stars.
Ei's eyes widen as she looks up. "...Fireworks?"
Miko watches her rather than the display, quiet satisfaction written across her face.
"What do you think? Do you like my little surprise?"
For a long moment, Ei simply stands in silence, the vibrant colours reflected in her eyes as another brilliant bloom lights the heavens above.
"...Miko." A smile slowly spreads across her face. "It's beautiful."
Relief and quiet happiness soften Miko's expression. "I'm glad you like it."
Neither of them speaks after that.
Together, they simply stand in comfortable silence, listening to the distant thunder of fireworks as wave after wave of colour washes across the sky.
As Ei watches the dazzling display unfold above Inazuma, old memories begin to surface once more.
She remembers standing beneath another star-filled sky alongside Makoto, Saiguu, Sasayuri, and Chiyo. Their laughter drifts upon the evening breeze, and the warmth of their company lingers as vividly as the countless fireworks they once watched together while celebrating another birthday.
The memories still ache.
Perhaps they always will.
Yet as another brilliant bloom lights the heavens, the pain no longer feels quite so overwhelming.
She is no longer watching them alone.
A gentle warmth brushes against her hand.
Turning her head, she finds Miko standing beside her, a soft smile upon her lips as shifting colours dance within her violet eyes.
"Happy birthday, Ei."
The words linger between them.
Ei lowers her gaze for a brief moment before a smile gently touches her lips. "...Thank you, Miko."
Without another word, Miko closes the distance between them and rests her head lightly against Ei's shoulder, her fox-like ears giving the faintest twitch as they settle into the comfortable silence.
Ei does not pull away. Instead, she leans ever so slightly until their heads rest together. Her eyes drift closed as she allows herself to simply exist within the moment, listening to the rhythmic echoes rolling across Inazuma while the delicate fragrance of sakura blossoms drifts through the shrine.
Above them, countless bursts of light continue to bloom across the heavens, just as they have on countless birthdays before.
Only this time...
They no longer remind her solely of what she has lost.
They also remind her of what still remains.
After a while, Ei slowly opens her eyes once more, watching another brilliant bloom illuminate the nation she and Makoto had always cherished.
A peaceful smile lingers upon her face.
Happy birthday, Makoto.
